The Best Tanning Lotions for 2026: A Guide from the Experts at Tropitana Tanning
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Not all tanning products are created equal. At Tropitana Tanning, our staff is trained to help you find the exact product for your skin type and goals.
Walk into any tanning salon retail aisle and you'll find dozens of lotions promising miraculous results. The truth is that not all tanning products are created equal — and using the wrong one (or none at all) can seriously undermine your results. At Tropitana Tanning in Delafield and Hartland, our staff is trained to help you find the exact product for your skin type, tanning goals, and preferred service. Here's the 2026 breakdown.
Why You Should Never Tan Without Lotion
UV tanning without lotion is a surprisingly common mistake. Unmoisturized skin reflects UV rays rather than absorbing them efficiently — meaning you're literally getting fewer results for the same session time. Beyond that, dry skin tans unevenly and fades much faster.
Indoor-specific tanning lotions are formulated to maximize UV absorption, accelerate melanin production, and keep your skin hydrated throughout the process. They're not optional — they're essential.
The Main Types of Tanning Lotions
Accelerators / Maximizers
The most common entry-level option. These lotions are formulated to boost melanin production and speed up the tanning process. Great for beginners or those building a base tan.
Bronzers
Bronzing lotions contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), cosmetic bronzers, or both. They add immediate color while also developing deeper color over 24–72 hours. Ideal for clients who want to see instant results.
Tinglers
These lotions create a mild warming or tingling sensation on the skin, which increases micro-circulation near the skin's surface. The increased blood flow accelerates color development. Not for everyone, but dedicated tanners swear by them.
Cooling / Intensifier Lotions
These provide the color-intensifying benefits of a tanning lotion combined with a refreshing cooling sensation — a popular choice during warmer months.
Red Light Therapy Lotions
Specifically formulated to optimize your skin's pH before a red light therapy session, helping your skin absorb the therapeutic benefits more effectively. Available at Tropitana and recommended for every red light session.
After-Tan / Extender Lotions
The best investment you can make after any tanning session. These deeply hydrating formulas slow the natural shedding of skin cells, preserving your tan color significantly longer than without.
Looking for the right tanning service to pair with your lotion? Check out our full menu of tanning and wellness services — UV beds, spray tans, red light therapy, and PEMF.
A Curated Selection, Hand-Picked for Results
At Tropitana Tanning, we don't just stock whatever's available — we hand-select products based on quality, effectiveness, and client feedback. Our staff stays up to date on the latest in tanning product innovation so we can make smart recommendations for every skin type and goal.
Stop in and let our team match you with the perfect product. We carry professional bronzers, accelerators, moisturizers, sunless enhancers, and more.